Japan Open 2024: Fajar/Rian And Leo/Bagas To Quarter Finals

JAKARTA - Men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana qualified for the quarter-finals of the Japan Open 2024.

Fajar/Rian extended their journey in the BWF Super 750 level tournament after winning over the Malaysian pair, online Hon Jian/Muhammad Haikal.

The All England 2024 champion was forced to rise from defeat in the first set to secure victory with final scores, 16-21, 21-8, and 21-15.

"Overall I can't control the game in the front area well. I'm still in a hurry and making a lot of mistakes. Especially in the first game. It was a bad game," said Rian.

In the quarter-finals, Friday, August 23, 2024, Fajar/Rian will meet their eighth seed from Malaysia, Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin. On paper, Fajar/Rian holds a record of winning 8-1.

"This is definitely not easy either. Moreover, recently the opponent's performance has also been good and the trend is increasing. So, we have to be aware of the opponent. Later we will see a video recording of the opponent's match," said Rian.

Meanwhile, Leo/Bagas managed to reach the quarter-finals after stopping their compatriots, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.

Furthermore, Leo/Bagas will clash with the Japanese pair, Kenya Mitsuhoshi/Hiroki Okamura, who reached the quarter-finals after stopping the Taipei Chinese pair, Chiu Hsiang Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin.

"After this we will conduct an evaluation with the coach. What is still lacking can be improved for tomorrow's match. Hopefully tomorrow we can perform even better," said Leo.

If they are both able to pass the quarter-finals, Fajar/Rian and Leo/Bagas will certainly meet in the semifinals, which means one men's doubles final ticket is in hand.